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Western Regional PartnershipJune 2020 UpdatesWRP sends out monthly updates on agency efforts relevant to the WRP Mission. This includes publicly available information from WRP Partners and agency news releases, etc. to assist to create greater awareness of current WRP Partner actions. If you have any updates you would like to share, please email that information to amyduffy@. In this edition of WRP Monthly updates:Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u WRP Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026328 \h 2Energy PAGEREF _Toc45026329 \h 3Federal Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026330 \h 3State Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026331 \h 3Tribal Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026332 \h 3Natural Resources PAGEREF _Toc45026333 \h 4Federal Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026334 \h 4State Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026335 \h 5Tribal Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026336 \h 6Regional Updates PAGEREF _Toc45026337 \h 6Military Readiness, Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness and Aviation PAGEREF _Toc45026338 \h 6Military Readiness PAGEREF _Toc45026339 \h 6DoD PAGEREF _Toc45026340 \h 6OEA PAGEREF _Toc45026341 \h 7REPI PAGEREF _Toc45026342 \h 7USAF PAGEREF _Toc45026343 \h 7Army PAGEREF _Toc45026344 \h 7Navy PAGEREF _Toc45026345 \h 7USMC PAGEREF _Toc45026346 \h 8Homeland Security/Disaster Preparedness PAGEREF _Toc45026347 \h 8Aviation PAGEREF _Toc45026348 \h 9Spectrum PAGEREF _Toc45026349 \h 10Miscellaneous PAGEREF _Toc45026350 \h 11WRP UpdatesDeep-dive calls, in support of current WRP Priority on Building Resilience, are being held with subject matter experts over the summer on resilient energy infrastructure, resiliency of airspace, disaster mitigation and water security. Other webinar and Committee calls over the summer are in process of being confirmed; details forthcoming. Please contact amyduffy@ for more information.Past WRP Events:June 12th Webinar on Disaster Mitigation featuring GAO, FEMA and OEA (details below). Recording available: webinar highlighted:An overview of?Government Accountability Office (GAO)’s Disaster Resilience Framework(),?which is intended to serve as a guide for analysis of federal actions to facilitate and promote resilience to natural disasters.Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), and the new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)FEMA’s new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, () which will support states, local communities, tribes and territories, as they undertake hazard mitigation projects reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards.Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment’s Military Installation Resilience?grant program assists State and local governments to review existing community capabilities supporting military installations and develop strategies to protect resources necessary to enhance resilience of military installations.?().June 11th Webinar on Resilient Airspace featuring the Marine Corps Installations-West, Federal Aviation Administration and Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (details below). Recording available: webinar highlighted:Modernization of the military range Special Use Airspace to support the changing requirements of modern weapons and equipmentEfforts to Integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace SystemDevelopment of Counter UAS State and Federal policy ?EnergyFederal Updates FERC: Provides Additional Landowner Protections in Project Rehearing Cases News Release | OrderDOE: The Department of Energy announced Friday it is offering $122 million to establish innovation centers in coal-producing regions.DOI-BLM:BLM New Mexico accepting comments for October oil and gas lease saleBLM seeks public comment on the draft environmental assessment for the San Emidio II North Valley Geothermal Development ProjectBLM seeks comments on public lands nominated for geothermal leasingBLM releases Mesa Wind Repower Project for public comment State UpdatesCA: Governor Newsom Signs SB 350, Giving the State Protection that PG&E will be Transformed into a Safer Utility?CO: Governor Polis Announces COGCC AppointmentsNV: ‘Tier 3’ net excess energy credit reaches full subscription of 80 megawatts of rooftop solar generation. Updated applied-for and installed NEM rooftop solar capacity totals for Tiers 1-4 are posted on the PUCN’s website each business day at puc.Tribal UpdatesThe Building Technologies Proving Ground – Public Sector Field Validation funding opportunity will invest up to $10 million to allow state, local, and tribal government entities to compete for funding designed to meet U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) goals via field validation of high-impact commercial building technologies. Learn more about the FOA and how to apply. Concept papers are due July 27, 2020, and full applications are due September 28, 2020.DOE Indian Energy FOA: Apply by July 30. On March 27, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $15 million in new funding to deploy energy technology on tribal lands. This funding through the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs will support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations. Should tribes so choose to unleash their vast undeveloped energy resources, this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) would help support those communities.Tribal Energy Development Capacity. For Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized): To build Tribal capacity for energy resource regulation and management. Due: September 1, 2020 Learn moreRegionalCoronavirus pandemic leads to massive job loss in energy, from oil and gas to renewablesThe American Council on Renewable Energy and Americans for a Clean Energy Grid, with backing from Gates’ Breakthrough Energy, plan to use its “Macro Grid” project as a mechanism to raise awareness and generate support for building transmission, which is plagued by opposition at the local, not federal, level.An innovative anchor that could help floating offshore wind take holdWind and solar deployment continue apace in 2020, could supply 90 percent of the grid by 2035Commercial and industrial companies set a record last year for procurement of wind power, purchasing 4,447 megawatts, and their share of the wind market is only expected to grow, according to a first-time report on corporate buyers from the American Wind Energy Association.The U.S. solar industry had its best-ever first quarter in 2020, installing 3.6 gigawatts, and the sector is still expected to grow 33% this year, despite facing challenges from the coronavirus-related downturn, according to new data released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie.The North American Electric Reliability Corporation drastically underestimated how much U.S. coal would retire in a 2018 assessment of grid reliability, the CEOs of America’s Power, the National Mining Association, and the Lignite Energy Council wrote in a letter Tuesday.Solar Power Will Soon Cost Less Than CoalNatural ResourcesFederal UpdatesEPA:EPA Announces Dynamic New Water Data Transparency ToolEPA Issues Clean Water Act Section 401 Final RulePresident Trump Delivering on Promise to Protect Our Nation’s AirUSDA: Secretarial Memorandum to the Chief of the Forest Service June 12, 2020 - Purpose: Establish vision, priorities, and direction on:Increasing the productivity of National Forests and GrasslandsValuing our Nation’s grazing heritage and the National GrasslandsIncreasing access to our National ForestsExpediting environmental reviews to support active managementDOI:Interior Takes Historic Step to Transfer Ownership of Federal Water Projects in Utah to Local Water Users. Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tim Petty Named Co-Chair of National Drought Resilience PartnershipDOI-BLM:BLM asks public help in battle against invasive plantBLM seeks public comment on modification of permitted mining operation environmental assessmentBLM and USFWS invite the public to review and comment on the Northern Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement and proposed Washington County HCPAdoptions and sales of wild horses and burros reach a 15-year highDOI-BuRec:Reclamation launches WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant funding opportunity and extends drought resiliency project deadlineWaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. To support projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. Due: September 17, 2020. Learn moreADVISORY: Reclamation to hold public meetings on Lake Powell Pipeline Project Draft Environmental Impact StatementDOI-NPS: National Park Service Visitor Spending Generates Economic Impact of More Than $41 BillionDOI-USFWS:Proposed Wind Project Developer Drafts Plan to Offset Ground-Disturbance Impacts to Three Listed Species, Public Comment SoughtEndangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Sonoyta Mud TurtleMigratory Birds to Benefit from $25 Million in Federal and Matching Funding Throughout the AmericasState Updates AZ:Caretakers of the Colorado back in actionArizona starts talks on addressing dwindling Colorado RiverThe Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) - Invasive Plant Grant Program is accepting project applications. DFFM, with funding provided by the State of Arizona and USDA Forest Service, is soliciting project proposals from $10,000 to $300,000 to treat non-native invasive plant infestations that threaten forested, woodland, or rangeland areas. All applications must be completed and submitted online at the following link. Grant Guidelines and Instructions can also be found at this link: Applications are due Friday, July 31, 2020.As ADEQ learns more from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers about how to implement the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, we will share that information with you via our Waters of the US web page and via email. ADEQ will also keep you informed of our progress working on important aspects of the new rule such as Traditional Navigable Waters Determination and Typical Year Analysis. As promised, we have also posted the presentation from the June 15, 2020, meeting, updated with a map to Arizona's Traditional Navigable Waters and a link to the Army Corps Traditional Navigable Water determinations | Visit Meeting Resources Page CA: Denial of Motion for Preliminary Injunction in California v. Wheeler.pdfCO: The Community Development Office is now providing critical resources to support local governments in integrating water and land use planning. These resources will help ensure more sustainable, affordable, and water-smart growth patterns. Tribal UpdatesDOI Signs Agreement with USDA to Increase Investment in Infrastructure on Federal and Tribal LandsNavajo Nation files lawsuit against the U.S. EPA over the Clean Water ActNative American Affairs Technical Assistance.?Reclamation's Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program is making up to $1 million available??in Fiscal Year 2021?for tribes and tribal organizations in the western United States to develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources. Each selected project is eligible to receive up to $200,000.?The funding opportunity is available on by searching for?funding opportunity number BOR-DO-20-F013.?Applications are due on?October 28, 2020 at?4 p.m. MDT.?News Release?and?Native American Affairs HomepageRegional UpdatesWestFast’s June 2020 NewsletterWestern Working Lands Snapshot: The Great BasinWAFWA Goes Virtual! Summer Meeting Registration Info. Register for the meeting here.? The fee is $200.00 per person until July 1, when it will increase to $250.00.WGA:Western Governors urge the Environmental Protection Agency, in outreach to Administrator Andrew Wheeler, to recognize states as sovereignties and engage in substantive consultation with states when developing guidance documents that affects them. (Read the letter) The Governors encouraged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to collaborate with states in comments on the Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment for geographic expansion to include Nevada and Wyoming in Federal Participation in Watercraft Inspection to Protect the Columbia River Basin. (Read the letter)COVID-19 and Invasive Species Programs. The pandemic has had a significant impact on invasive species programs, from hiring to employee safety. Plus: learn how the COVID-19 “invasion curve” resembles the spread of other invasive species. WatchMilitary Readiness, Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness and AviationMilitary ReadinessDoDRisk Aversion Impedes Hypersonics DevelopmentHere’s how the Space Force will be organizedMilitary aviation mishaps and deaths are declining for the first time in yearsSecDef Esper extended the U.S. military's Mexico border mission through the end of FY21, the Pentagon announced Thursday. That includes plans to swap out the active duty troops with National Guard units, all totaling around 4,000 soldiers. Voice of America has more, here.The military is drawing down its U.S.-Mexico border mission. Sort of.Congress has questions about the Air Force’s and Navy’s next-generation fighter programsPast Webinar: (June 18) New America webinar on “The Conservation of Defense: Opportunities to Promote Conservation through Military Readiness.” This report was released by the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) earlier this year []The webinar featured REPI Program Director, Kristin Thomasgard; EPIC Executive Director, Tim Male; Marstel-Day President and CEO, Rebecca Rubin; and New America Director, Sharon Burke. Webinar Recording: Department of Defense Releases Defense Space StrategyU.S. Needs a Nationwide Climate, Security Infrastructure InitiativeU.S. Senate committee drops plans to expand Fallon, Nellis training rangesFor the first time in a decade, the Air National Guard will miss its retention goalDOD Names Seven Installations as Sites for Second Round of 5G Technology Testing, ExperimentationOEAOEA Seeks Public Comments for Defense Manufacturing Community Support ProgramOEA: ‘Context Will Matter’ in DCIP ApplicationsREPIWednesday, July 29,?at 1 PM ET: Sentinel Landscapes Partnership 2020 Accomplishments; click?here?for detailed instructions on how to participate in this webinar.Leveraging GIS to Identify New Partnership Opportunities -recording of the webinar?hereClick here?to watch?Sentinel Landscapes?now!??USAF Energy project powers Hill AFB resiliencyA-10: Hey Air Force, There’s More to Survival than Hiding The F-35A Lightning II can’t fly in lightning once againBuilding a better fighter pilot: ACC seeks to slash training timeAir Force Eyes Moving Older F-22s From Training To Combat Units ACC aims to cut pilot training time by up to halfThis Air Force pilot is the first woman to fly the F-35 in combatNew Air Force B-21 stealth bomber takes key technology step toward war readinessAir Force Weaponizing Cargo Planes For All-Domain Ops: ‘Bomb Bay In A Box’Army Army selects countermeasures against dronesThe Army is adopting a 'guaranteed hit' smart fire control system to knock drones out of the skyStudy Analyzes Alternatives for Reducing Army Installation Utility BillsArmy ponders what to cut if budget drops: Gen. MurrayThe enduring success of the B-52 bomberVertical lift drones brigades are assessing fly quieter with more survivability, soldiers sayNavyVIDEO: First operational Navy V-22 arrives at new COD squadronUS Navy Prepares to Connect Newest Carrier to Other WarshipsBoeing delivered the first of 11 F/A-18 Super Hornets to the NavyUSMC 20 OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PHOTOS FROM JUNE 2020Homeland Security/Disaster PreparednessDHS Announces Grant Allocations for Fiscal Year 2020 Preparedness GrantFEMA is releasing the current draft of the 2020 Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and Policy Guide for a 45-day public comment period. Learn moreFEMA is hosting a tribal webinar for the open comment period for the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program and Policy Guide. The webinar will be held at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 16. Register on FEMA Adobe Connect for more info: FEMA website. The new Strengthening Medical Lifelines with Hazard Mitigation Fact SheetHMA External Stakeholder Working Group: 2021 MembershipThe Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) summer engagement series will bring FEMA subject matter experts and partners together each week in July to discuss key elements of the newly developed program. The webinars will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. ET every Wednesday in July. Learn more or register for the BRIC Summer Engagement Series.The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are now calling for research proposals in support of improved disaster resilience. NIST and NSF plan to award a total of $3.1 million for scientific and engineering research into disaster-related phenomena that can significantly improve our nation’s defenses against natural hazards. The agencies will co-manage the Disaster Resilience Research Grants (DRRG) program and intend to make 8-12 awards of up to $400,000 each. To apply, submit your letter of intent by Aug. 14, 2020. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) - Summer Engagement Series. The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Summer Engagement Series will bring FEMA Subject Matter Experts and partners together one day a week during the month of July to discuss key elements of the newly developed BRIC program. These virtual sessions are geared towards leaders in states, local communities, tribes and territories, as well as private sector entities, private non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in learning more about the grant program.HMA 2019 Year in Review Program HighlightsFEMA Bulletin. If you want to read back issues of the FEMA Bulletin and/or subscribe, please see this website: Using Geospatial Data to Strengthen the Grid Against Extreme WeatherCOVID-19:Governor Sisolak announces emergency directive extending Phase 2 reopening plansGovernor Polis Takes Action in Response to COVID-19Governor?Newsom Signs Executive Order on Actions in Response to COVID-19? 6.30.20Further Action To Reverse COVID-19 Spread In ArizonaThe impact of COVID-19 on flight schools Cities Delay Infrastructure Projects Amid Covid-19 Budget Uncertainty Aviation advocates lobby for more COVID-19 relief for general aviation Across the county, general aviation operations were down by 49% in May 2020.Covid-19 Priorities for Local GovernmentsLocal Government Covid-19 ResponseHouse Appropriations Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the Indian Health Service's COVID-19 responseCOVID-19 Has Exposed the Need to Invest in Digital Infrastructure Energy Curates New Tools, Unveils Funding to Assist Research Efforts Against COVID-19 Global energy investment plunges, another victim of the coronavirus pandemic, IEA saysNative American Tribes' Pandemic Response Is Hamstrung by Many InequitiesCyber:Cybersecurity Expert Discusses DOD's Role in National SecurityCOVID-19: Cybersecurity Threats & Best Practices: Cyber threats are growing as states, schools, health care facilities, and businesses transition to remote solutions. WatchGAO Chides DoD For Absence Of Cybersecurity Requirements Wildfires:Utah wildland firefighters respond to 26 fire starts for second weekend in a rowThe Bush Fire is now the 5th largest in Arizona's history as firefighters battle multiple blazesUptick in Colorado bark beetles creating fuel for firesArizona Bush Fire doubles in size as California wildfires break outHow federal property programs help protect Americans from wildfireWildfires Prompt Evacuations, Road Closures in Arizona, Colorado, CaliforniaState foresters from California, New Mexico, Washington provide legislators with wildfire outlookArizona fire officials say drone use interfering with work on Bighorn blazeThe Western Region of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy shares with you the first installment in a continuing campaign to address what "living with wildland fire" looks like across the West. Please click here to view the short PDF. Where the worst wildfire activity is expected this summerForest Service launches Forestcast, podcast on forestsArizona wildfire season is already ahead of previous year’s paceNevada already witnessing 'extreme fire behavior' in 2020, COVID-19 an added riskForest Service releases supporting documents for nationwide forest assessmentUp In Smoke: Fire and Invasives on Western Rangelands. Partnering to Conserve Sagebrush Rangelands is a cross boundary effort to manage and restore sagebrush rangelands. Bureau of Land Management ensures wildfire response across the WestAviationFAA Administrator Dickson Testifies Before Senate on Boeing 737 MAXCommercial Space Takes a Big Step ForwardFAA Awards $800M in Airport GrantsThe NASAO Conference Website has all the up to date information about our virtual conference. We are excited to offer the registration rate of $30 for a Three Day Registration for State Members and NASAO Business Partners Report: Business aviation rebounds to 73% of typical levelsPolice aviation faces uncertain futureNew GA terminal planned at N.M. airportAir Cargo Down 15% Between the U.S. and Foreign Points, March 2020 (Preliminary)BLM is proud to be part of SpaceX journeyAOPA, others ask FAA for more time to meet requirementsGA continues to push back on Ligado; FAA warns against illegal chartersUAV/Drones:Pentagon Plans ‘Plug & Play’ Drone-Killing Tech Drone Advisory Committee Meets on Critical IssuesDrones In America Podcast with FAA’s Jay MerkleFAA Executive Director Discusses DronesUtilities Weather Storms with Geospatial Data TechnologyDHS Wants to Know What the Public Thinks About Using Drones During Emergencies Exercise shows emergency response capabilities of dronesDrones have many possible uses beyond deliveryDrones accelerate pace of reforestationSpectrumComments on the National Strategy to Secure 5G Implementation PlanNotice of 07/30/2020 CSMAC MeetingAmerican Broadband Initiative Progress ReportCommerce Department Outlines Accomplishments in American Broadband Initiative Progress ReportNTIA Letter to FCC on Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz BandNTIA Supplemental Comments on Process Reform for Executive Branch Review Of Certain FCC Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign OwnershipCommercial Spectrum Enhancement Act Annual Progress Report for 2019Notice of Extension of Comment Period on the National Strategy to Secure 5G Implementation PlanNew coalition defends GPS from jamming riskIndustry Calls on Government to Invest Billions for Developing Secure 5G Networks? SASC Wants Alternative GPS By 2023Industry Calls on Government to Invest Billions for Developing Secure 5G Networks? 5G Deployment: FCC Needs Comprehensive Strategic Planning to Guide Its Efforts GAO-20-468NTIA Reply to the Opposition to Petitions for Reconsideration or Clarification Submitted by Ligado Networks LLCFCC Cracks Under Hill Pressure On Ligado 5G Network Noise level rising as FCC action awaited on Ligado petitionsGroups Seek Panel's Action on FCC's 5.9 GHz Spectrum ProposalSenate wants Pentagon to study risks of 5GDefense Department Press Briefing on 5G Communications Technology Testing and ExperimentationSpectrum Sharing Key Goal Of Latest DoD 5G Experiments MiscellaneousWTAS: Interior Distributes More Than $514 Million to Communities, Supports Critical Local ServicesU.S. Department of Transportation Makes $2.4 Million Available for Work Zone Data Exchange Grants in Preparation for Automated VehiclesSecretary of the Interior transfers 37 acres of land to the Department of the ArmySecretary Bernhardt Applauds the President's Intent to Nominate William Perry Pendley to be the Director of the Bureau of Land ManagementStrategy Development Underway for 2020 Colorado Resiliency Framework. Over the last few weeks, all six sector teams met over Zoom to discuss preliminary strategies for their sector and the overall 2020 update to the Colorado Resiliency Framework. The updated framework process has the teams dreaming big and setting ambitious goals. From here, the project team will refine the first sector meeting notes into metrics and strategies before the next large group meeting in late July. Learn more at the web page for the project and reach out if you want to get involved.?Infrastructure/Transportation:Executive Order Seeks to Speed Up Infrastructure InvestmentsUSDOT Issues Tribal Transportation Final RuleU.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao Announces Historic Rule on Tribal Transportation Self-GovernanceADOT, USGS partnership is a model for sustainable transportation solutionsUSDOT to Award $906M in INFRA GrantsDual Disaster Handbook Offers Practical Guidance Amidst ChaosCalifornia Rules Trucking Must Go Electric. The Golden State has become the first in America to force the trucking industry to go zero-emissions, with all new trucks in the state required to be electric by 2035. West Coast Utilities Offer Plan for Charging Stations Along Interstate 5The world sold 2.1 million electric cars in 2019, topping the 2018 record — but the year-on-year growth was just 6%, much lower than the at least 30% year-on-year growth in EV sales since 2016, the International Energy Agency said in new research.Self-driving cars could only prevent a third of U.S. crashes: studyCOVID-19: President Trump's Invocation of Emergency Authority to Streamline Environmental Review for Infrastructure ProjectsNevada transportation department board told it must cut $143 millionStates: CO: Gov. Polis Announces New Adjutant General, ED of Department of Military and Veterans AffairsNV:Gov. Sisolak announces planned date for the special session of the Nevada LegislatureGov. Sisolak announces “Clean Cars Nevada,” initiative to provide Nevadans with more choices for less-polluting cars and trucksGov. Sisolak details plan to address Fiscal Year 2020 shortfallNM: Gov. signs budget adjustment billWLSCA: Advancing Conservation and Education Act - Congressional Hearing Testimony - June 18, 2020WGA:The Western Governors' Association has released the Special Report of the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative. The central policy effort of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was launched in July 2019 to help western rural communities tap into the opportunity that abounds in economic trends and technological innovation.?Rural West Initiative webinars, podcasts, expand the conversation on regional issues. 'Out West' Podcast Listen to Episodes Watch WebinarsWestern Governors have formally approved three policy resolutions on:?Broadband Connectivity, Rural Development, and Western Agriculture.?WGA Policy Resolution 2020-06, Western Agriculture. Western Governors support an array of funding, trade, education, research, and workforce development programs that promote agricultural contributions to the economies and quality of life in western states. The Governors, in this renewing resolution, highlight the production and conservation benefits of precision agriculture technologies and provide recommendations to support this growing sector. The resolution also offers strategies to address agricultural and food network supply chain challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.?Read, download the resolution.??WGA Policy Resolution 2020-07, Rural Development. Healthy, vibrant and prosperous rural communities are critical to western states. Rural communities, however, face a variety of challenges with respect to economic development, infrastructure, and quality of life. The resolution details policies and recommendations to strengthen rural communities and ensure that programs delivering state and federal resources are efficient and accessible. The policy also includes recommendations to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19 in rural areas.?Read, download the resolution.WGA Policy Resolution 2020-08, Broadband Connectivity. Western Governors highlight the importance of high-speed internet (“broadband”) for rural economies and communities. The Governors discuss common infrastructure challenges – vast distances, unforgiving terrain, and multi-jurisdictional permitting – that complicate broadband deployment projects in western states. Their recommendations address broadband data and mapping, investments in scalable infrastructure, and strategies to help connect tribal communities.?Read, download the resolution.? ................
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